AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course Colorado

Three-Day Intro to Managing Avalanche Hazard

Learn. Practice. Stay Alive.

Traveling in the backcountry requires a solid understanding of avalanche risk and the knowledge to mitigate these risks through appropriate terrain assessment and decision making. Colorado is home to one of the most complex snowpacks in the entire world, and people come from all across the globe to study the snowpack here. Our local team of AIARE-certified leaders and instructors have an intimate relationship with the local terrain and snowpack conditions where we operate & will teach you how to recognize, manage, and minimize these hazards, and to reduce risks. Avalanche Safety education is the core of our winter operations and we are pleased to offer education in six Colorado Counties, including ski resort-based and hut-based courses.

Course Details

Our standard AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course 3-Day courses will be offered both in a traditional classroom format as well as in a hybrid course option that combines advance e-learning, Zoom, and field instruction to introduce participants to the hazards of traveling in avalanche terrain. All of our Level 1 courses will include 24 hours of coursework at a minimum, and two days on snow. We want to make sure that you get the education that you need and don’t cut corners in delivering the best product so that we can maximize your benefit!

What You’ll Learn

Equipment

- Efficient use of beacon/shovel/probe

- Pre-trip equipment check

- Survival gear checklist

- Weather

- Understanding a mountain snowpack

- Reading and understanding the avalanche forecast

- Classifications of avalanches

- Characteristics of different types of avalanches

Trip Preparation

- Basics of route selection and terrain management

- Trip planning and preparation

- Rescue and emergency preparation

- Group management

Hazards/Rescue

- Recognizing hazardous conditions

- Managing risk and decision making

- Human factors and influence

- Companion rescue techniques

2023/2024 Course Dates & Options

December 1st-3rd

December 8th-10th

December 15th-17th (Virtual Zoom Classroom)

December 29th-31st

January 5th-7th (Splitboard Specific)

January 5th-7th (Hut-Based) SOLD OUT

January 12th-14th

January 19th-21st (Virtual Zoom Classroom)

January 19th-21st (Hut-Based) SOLD OUT

January 26th-28th

January 29th-31st (Hut-Based)

February 2nd-4th (Winter Park Ski Resort Based)

February 9th-11th

February 16th-18th (Virtual Zoom Classroom)

February 23rd-25th

March 1st-3rd (Winter Park Ski Resort Based)

March 4th-6th (Hut-Based)

March 8th-10th

March 8th-10th (Hut-Based)

March 15th-17th (Virtual Zoom Classroom)

March 22nd-24th

March 25th-27th (Hut-Based)

March 29th-31st (Virtual Zoom Classroom)

April 5th-7th

Lift Tickets are required on all Winter Park Ski Resort Based Course dates

Itinerary

One Month Prior - E-Learning materials and Student Manual are sent approximately one month prior to course start. Students submit questions relating to E-Learning or Student Manual to prepare for the online Zoom or Classroom portion of the course.

Day One – Classroom Presentations and Trip Planning Lesson (Virtual and in-person classrooms)

8:00am – 12:00pm: Classroom presentations and hands-on activities

12:00pm – 1:00pm: Lunch

1:00 pm – 4:00: Presentations, activities and Instructor-led trip planning lesson

Day Two - on snow

- 7:30am – 3:30pm: Field Session. Companion Rescue and Making Relevant Observations

Day Three - on snow

- 7:30am – 4:00pm : Student-led tour and course close

Trip Package Includes

AIARE Certified Course Leader and Instructor(s) (6:1 maximum guide to student ratio)

AIARE Course Manual

AIARE Field Book

AIARE Certificate of Completion

CAG professional ski or splitboard guide

Use of Ortovox Avalanche Safety Gear if needed (beacon, shovel, probe, pack)

Friends of CAIC Trailhead Membership ($35 value)

Transportation from designated meeting place to the trailhead

Trip Package Does Not Include

Lift Tickets - required for Winter Park Resort dates

Lodging

Clothing and gear

Backcountry skis, splitboards or snowshoes (rentals available)

Food (included in hut-based courses)

Transportation to designated meeting place

Insurance (trip or rescue)

Instructor gratuity

Area Info

Colorado Adventure Guides’s basecamp is located in Silverthorne, Colorado and has the honor of hosting avalanche education courses in the Dillion and six surrounding ranger districts including Summit County and surrounding areas including Eagle County, Clear Creek County, and Grand County. We always plan to use a variety of zones to ensure our clients experience the best snow conditions available for the planned course days. We also offer hut-based and ski resort-based courses.

Summit County Area, Colorado

Summit County is the heart of our operation with access to thousands of acres of ridgelines, slopes, and valleys. Summit County's high altitude makes for great snow conditions all season long and provides a wide variety of backcountry accessibility for all levels of backcountry skiers. With over 3,500 permitted acres in the Dillon and surrounding Ranger Districts, we always have the terrain and conditions needed to meet the learning objectives of the courses we offer.

Winter Park Resort, Grand County, CO

We have partnered with Winter Park Ski Resort to offer lift-accessed AIARE 1 courses! These courses will follow our 3-day format like other courses. The field days will be based out of the resort where the team will use lifts to access terrain not usually open to the general public to meet the learning objectives of this course. These courses will still have touring components outside of the resort boundaries, and so touring gear is still required. Lift passes not included.

About Your Guides

Colorado Adventure Guides and Colorado Rafting Company, based in Silverthorne, CO, deliver four seasons of outdoor adventure and education. With operations in seven USFS and BLM ranger districts, we serve a dynamic and growing population of outdoor enthusiasts. Our all-season, guided operations include:

Rock Climbing

Mountaineering

Hiking/Peak Accents

Mountain Biking

Whitewater Rafting/SUPing

Backcountry Skiing

Backcountry Splitboarding

Snowshoeing

Ice Climbing

AIARE Snow Safety

We have been providing incredible experiences to visitors of Summit County and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned expert, let us take you on your next unforgettable outdoor adventure!

Cancellation Policy

Refunds will be honored for cancellations more than 14 DAYS PRIOR to a course or a camp start time. An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all cancellations.

All activities are Rain or Shine. In case of operator cancellation due to adverse or unsafe conditions prior to start time, first the operator will attempt to reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, the client will receive a full refund. Operator, including guides in the field, reserve the right to shorten or reroute activity in the case of unmanageable hazards or inability of guest to complete the objective. Completion of objective-based routes is not guaranteed.

FAQ’s

How Physically Fit Do I Need To Be To Take This Course?

Colorado Adventure Guides’ priority is keeping our patrons and students safe. Our instructors are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Prior to the start of any course or backcountry trip you will complete a brief health history. The failure to disclose pertinent information on the health history form could result in serious harm, even death, to the signing participant, other guests and/or the guide. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. This can be a physically demanding course, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.

Do I Need To Be A Good Skier/Snowboarder To Take This Course?

This course can be taken on alpine touring skis or a splitboard. No prior backcountry experience is required but it is highly recommended that participants with touring gear have experience on their setup prior to taking this course and be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at a ski resort.

Do You Offer an AIARE 1 As A Private Group Course?

For those who would like to select all the members of their party, you may book a private group course. Private groups may select a traditional classroom or Zoom for their classroom component. Course dates can be requested all season long, weekends or weekdays, subject to availability. If you are interested, please let us know!

When And How Do I Meet Up With The Group For My Course?

For classroom-based courses you will meet at our Silverthorne basecamp. For field-based days, students will be encouraged to use our CAG company vans or to carpool to help alleviate trailhead overcrowding.

When Should I Take My AIARE 1?

The AIARE 1 course is developed for new to intermediate backcountry users, or for those looking to formalize their education. This course is for experienced resort skiers/riders that have knowledge of how to use their backcountry touring equipment. Not quite there yet? Check out our 1-day Intro to Ski/Splitboard Courses.

Can Skip the AIARE 1 Course?

The AIARE 1 course is part 1 of the Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain program. The Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain program is a recreational program that consists of 3 courses spanning a total of 7 days. While there is no actual certification after taking all the courses, you will obtain course completions. With that said, the AIARE 1 course is a prerequisite to the AIARE 2 course, and so you must attend the AIARE 1 course to continue with the program.

Does the AIARE 1 Certificate Expire?

The AIARE 1 certificate does not have an expiration date, however, it is strongly encouraged that you practice and maintain the skills and knowledge covered in this course. Colorado Adventure Guides offers Avalanche Refresher and Rescue Courses to help keep your backcountry knowledge and skills fresh.

Should I Tip My Course Instructor?

Your instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with the best safety education and a great experience, and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated. If you had a safe, educational, and fun experience, gratuities typically range from 15-20%.

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